Ava Esser, a sophomore outside hitter at Johnson County Community College, has earned a prestigious spot on the AVCA Two-Year College Preseason Watch List for the upcoming 2026 season. She is one of 12 players nationwide recognized and is notably one of only two NJCAA Division II players selected. This accolade follows her impressive freshman season, where Esser achieved multiple All-America honors and helped lead her team to significant victories, including a national tournament berth.

By the Numbers
  • 460 kills in the 2025 season, ranking third in the conference and 14th nationally.
  • 28 matches with double-digit kills, the most by a freshman in program history.
Yes, But

While Esser's recognition is commendable, the competition within the watch list features top talents across various divisions, posing a challenge for her to maintain this level of performance. Additionally, the pressure of expectations following her breakout season could lead to increased scrutiny in the upcoming games.

State of Play
  • Esser's recent honors may influence her performance and recognizability on the national stage.
  • Johnson County Community College is looking to leverage Esser's talent to improve on last year's success and compete for titles in the 2026 season.
What's Next

As the season approaches, Esser will aim to build on her previous achievements, with expectations to enhance her performance further and contribute significantly to her team's success in the national tournaments.

Bottom Line

Ava Esser's inclusion on the AVCA watch list highlights her potential as a key player in college volleyball, and her journey will be one to watch as she seeks to make an impact in her sophomore year.